The Agony in the Garden
Artist: Domenikos Theotokopoulos, called El Greco (Greek, active in Spain, 1541-1614)
Date: about 1590-1595
Dimensions:
Painting: 40 1/4 x 44 3/4 in. (102.2 x 113.7 cm)
Framed: 54 1/2 in. x 58 3/4 x 3 in. (138.4 x 149.2 x 7.6 cm)
Medium: oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1946.5
Label Text:The Agony in the Garden elevates spiritual concerns over the representation of the physical world. Jesus is shown praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem, just before his arrest for his teachings (Judas and the Roman soldiers are approaching at the right). El Greco communicates Christ’s spiritual struggle (in Greek, agonia, “agony”) as he contemplates his coming crucifixion through Christ’s expressive face and pose, the otherworldly light and strident colors, and the confusing sense of space and form (where exactly is the angel in relationship to the sleeping apostles?). Combining aspects from all four Gospel accounts, El Greco gives visual form to Matthew 26:42 – “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Born Domenikos Theotokopoulos on the island of Crete, El Greco (“the Greek”) trained in Venice and Rome before settling in Toledo, Spain, where he painted this picture. His emotionally charged religious images confirm his status as one of the most intensely original artistic visionaries of any era.
Born Domenikos Theotokopoulos on the island of Crete, El Greco (“the Greek”) trained in Venice and Rome before settling in Toledo, Spain, where he painted this picture. His emotionally charged religious images confirm his status as one of the most intensely original artistic visionaries of any era.
On view
In Collection(s)